Coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed concern over the Flying Eagles’ defensive shortcomings at the recent WAFU B U20 tournament in Togo, where they emerged as champions. Despite securing the sub-regional title, the Flying Eagles allowed goals in each of their four matches, an issue Zubairu found troubling. He acknowledged that while the team performed well offensively, their defensive inconsistencies left much to be desired. Reflecting on the tournament’s outcome, he emphasized that defensive stability is essential, especially as the team prepares to compete on a larger, more demanding stage.

During a recent meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Ilorin, Zubairu openly discussed his plans to strengthen the squad, including the potential addition of foreign-based players for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa. He confirmed that eligible Nigerian players based abroad, provided they meet the team’s standards, would be welcomed into the squad. “We want to ensure that we have the best talent on the field, regardless of where they are currently based,” he said, underscoring his commitment to building a versatile and capable team. This approach, he noted, is intended to bolster the squad and address the vulnerabilities seen in recent performances.

Looking ahead, Zubairu has laid out a focused plan for the U20 AFCON, including an early training camp to fine-tune the team’s dynamics and address defensive weaknesses. He mentioned the challenges he faced ahead of the WAFU B tournament, including a limited timeframe of just 37 days to prepare and the need to rebuild the squad, retaining only three players from the previous team. Now, with more time to train and strategize, Zubairu is prioritizing a disciplined, unified defense to meet his ultimate goal: securing a spot in the U20 World Cup.